The Thistle apt, 250 metres to Princes Street

Description from the manager

Description from the manager

Bedrooms:2

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Bathrooms:2

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Sleeps:4

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Type:Apt. / Condo

The Thistle apt, 250 metres to Princes Street

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2 double bedrooms ensuite, this beautiful apartment is a perfect peaceful place to stay amidst the hustle and bustle of the Edinburgh city. Located in the middle of Edinburgh along a cobbled lane, with some of the most fashionable and fantastic shops and restaurants as its neighbours. Climb the worn stone staircase to access this second floor apartment and a very pleasant surprise awaits you. Step inside and step back in time to an elegant luxury which is a haven of comfort.

With Harvey Nichols and Jenners round the corner, Caf Saint Honore and Fishers in the City on your doorstep you can't go wrong. A plethora of Edinburgh attractions, restaurants and bars are only minutes away from this great location.

Guests who have a laptop can also enjoy a free broadband connection either through the supplied cable or by wifi.

Accommodation

The wood panelled apartment hallway provides plenty of space for luggage and coats etc and there is a toilet located off the hall. Linger a while to check out some of the scenes of bygone Edinburgh.

LOUNGE

This room is beautifully appointed to create a cosy yet comfortable and functional living space. The luxury leather and velvet sofas are a perfect place to sink into next to the fire and rest after an exhausting day exploring the sights. There is a dining table suitable for 6 and some smaller items of furniture. A wall mounted flat screen TV with 30 digital channels, DVD player and a selection of DVDs are available for your enjoyment. Also a BOSE hi fi system is provided and the sound system is piped through to bathroom areas. Two large shuttered south facing windows give this room a fabulous sunny aspect or the drapes can be closed to create a cosy feel.

KITCHEN AREA

This is accessed off the lounge. Newly fitted, the kitchen is equipped with a fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, electric hob and oven, microwave oven, cutlery and crockery for up to 6 people.TripAdvisor property ID 2741868 and bars are only minutes away from this great location.

Guests who have a laptop can also enjoy a free broadband connection either through the supplied cable or by wifi.

Accommodation

The wood panelled apartment hallway provides plenty of space for luggage and coats etc and there is a toilet located off the hall. Linger a while to check out some of the scenes of bygone Edinburgh.

LOUNGE

This room is beautifully appointed to create a cosy yet comfortable and functional living space. The luxury leather and velvet sofas are a perfect place to sink into next to the fire and rest after an exhausting day exploring the sights. There is a dining table suitable for 6 and some smaller items of furniture. A wall mounted flat screen TV with 30 digital channels, DVD player and a selection of DVDs are available for your enjoyment. Also a BOSE hi fi system is provided and the sound system is piped through to bathroom areas. Two large shuttered south facing windows give this room a fabulous sunny aspect or the drapes can be closed to create a cosy feel.

KITCHEN AREA

This is accessed off the lounge. Newly fitted, the kitchen is equipped with a fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, electric hob and oven, microwave oven, cutlery and crockery for up to 6 people.TripAdvisor property ID 2741868...Read more

Reviews (34)

Reviews

“Very well located cozy flat”

Left on 10/22/2013 for a stay in October 2013 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Oct 22, 2013Stayed Oct 2013

We had a pleasant experience at 37 Thistle St. It´s really close to the shops in George St and Princess St with a Post Office, food Market and restaurants around the block.Had great food on Thistle St itself a few steps away. Try Cafe Marlayne´s and Iris. Apart from the two flights of stairs,which are not too bad, the bedding and towels are on a par with 5 star hotel and everything in the kitchen was perfect. Make sure you ask Dave during his welcome briefing to explain how to put up or down the heating as a cold front came through and we were a bit cold. When we left I forgot my passport in the flat and only realized half way to the airport.Panic. As we leave the keys inside upon departure, called Dave and he was fantastic, got there asap and we made our flight. Recommend this flat and would go again.

“Great location”

Left on 07/11/2013 for a stay in June 2013 | JaneReviewed Jul 11, 2013Stayed Jun 2013

This is the perfect location for a visit to Edinburgh. Two bedrooms ensuite make it very comfortable.
The owner very nicely met us and explained all the appliances in the kitchen and the bathroom.
Warning: This is up three flights of stairs which the description did not mention. Fortunately for us it was not an issue.

“Superb Easter weekend in Edinburgh.”

Left on 04/04/2013 for a stay in March 2013 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Apr 4, 2013Stayed Mar 2013

Fantastic city centre apartment. Lovely, cosy, clean and warm. A great place to relax after a day spent site seeing. Superb location, just a short stroll to Princes Street. Brilliant local pub just below! Enjoyed the open top bus tour, the castle, botanical gardens and the royal mile and lots of good pubs and places to eat. Would recommend.

“comfortable”

Left on 07/07/2012 for a stay in June 2012 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Jul 7, 2012Stayed Jun 2012

We (family of four, two teens) stayed at the Thistle Suite during our visit to Edinburgh and found it very comfortable. It's just a few blocks away from Waverly Station trains and buses which makes it a very convenient location. It's a bit of a walk to the castle and the Royal Mile but is still a good location. Off the beaten path so mostly very quiet except for some street construction but we barely noticed it.

The bed in the "master" is small... a tight fit for two adult people accustomed to a king size bed and the apartment is up two flights of stairs... not a big deal but things you might want to know. Otherwise very comfortable with everything you will need.

We ate at Fisher's in the City which is good seafood - felt a bit out of place not realizing that it was fancier than we were expecting. There is a Thai restaurant that we really enjoyed... Dusit or Durit I think it was called. The Italian place on the corner - Rusticana? - was fine (although after a day of beautiful art at the gallery the "decor" was assaultive). Most days we'd been out sightseeing and didn't really think about dinner till we were done with the day, tired and hungry. This was a mistake on our part. One surprise is that most restaurants in Edinburgh seem to require advanced reservations. Had trouble finding a place to eat in the evening during the busy hours. Our phones don't work overseas and there's no phone in the apartment so I don't know how we were supposed to make reservations. I guess we could have done it online but that honestly didn't occur to me till just this minute... Another surprise was that we were turned away from dining at The Queens arms because our daughter is 14... The reservations and the 'not licensed for children' is just different than we're accustomed to at home.

“Really comfortable apartment in great central location”

Left on 07/01/2012 for a stay in June 2012 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Jul 1, 2012Stayed Jun 2012

Booking service was very easy, apartment was beautifully furnished and very comfortable. Great central location and wouldn't hesitate to book again. Next time I go though I will remember to take a 2 pin adapter plug - there is no shaving socket in either bathroom so my electric toothbrush didn't work.

“Charming, great location”

Left on 07/01/2012 for a stay in June 2012 | pghparrotReviewed Jul 1, 2012Stayed Jun 2012

Great furnishings, great location, great holiday flat! We particularly appreciated the independence of the access via the key code (as we were very unsure of our arrival time, and worried it would be quite late).

“We felt at home in Edinburgh the moment we walked in the door !”

Left on 05/31/2012 for a stay in April 2012 | The Bailey'sReviewed May 31, 2012Stayed Apr 2012

There were no surprises here ! The flat was exactly as described and portrayed in the photographs. We traveled to Edinburgh with our adult son and daughter-in-law. The flat was the perfect size, we were very comfortable, the decor was beautiful.

The location was central for everything we wanted to do ! Close to restaurants, shops and grocery store. Near all the historical sites in Edinburgh.

“Fantastic flat in a beautiful city!”

Left on 05/01/2012 for a stay in April 2012 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed May 1, 2012Stayed Apr 2012

Our expectations were already high before arriving, given the attractive photos, but we still managed to be impressed with the exquisite taste and warmness of the place. But it's not only beautiful and cosy, it is functional and fully furnished as well, catering for the visitor's every needs, either for short or longer stays. The only negative point was the width of the single beds, which are rather narrow for adults to sleep in.
Besides the amenities described in the website, there is a functional gas fireplace in the living room, a DVD player (with a selection of discs) and a few books, so visitors to Edinburgh can enjoy a quiet night in after a tiring day.
I had already used this service for a lovely little flat near the castle, and was looking forward to staying in that part of town again. The Thistle apartment is in the 'new town' (which is still pretty old, mind), but is still extremely central and handy for visiting all the main sites, and even though the neighbourhood is very quiet, you still have all kinds of shops, restaurants and pubs nearby.
I really could't recommend it more.

“wonderful place to stay”

Left on 05/01/2012 for a stay in April 2012 | Connolly familyReviewed May 1, 2012Stayed Apr 2012

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the Thistle apt. Lovely setting, excellent directions for access and a clean, well appointed apartment. We would definitely come again. It would be nice to have a book of directions on how to work appliances/fireplace etc. particularly for those of us from the 'other side of the pond'!

“Perfect for a two-couple holiday!”

Left on 03/04/2012 for a stay in February 2012 | Teacher/Traveler BethReviewed Mar 4, 2012Stayed Feb 2012

We needed a two-bed and bath apartment for my husband and I, and another couple, for our off-season holiday. The Thistle apt. was perfect. Location was great -- very quiet New Town street, but close enough to walk everywhere, even in cold February. The decor was luxe and cozy, fireplace was lovely. Kitchen had everything we needed to make nice hot breakfasts before heading out for the day. Great restaurants close by. Cafe Saint Honore, right around the corner, is a must for a special meal.

The apartment is a 5-7 minute walk from the airport shuttle bus. Instructions to access the apartment were very clear.

“Elegance and Comfort”

Left on 01/02/2012 for a stay in December 2011 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Jan 2, 2012Stayed Dec 2011

Our short break in Edinburgh was memorable and this has contributed to the choice of Thistle Street apartment.
The taste of furniture next to the comfort of the rooms made ??our stay very pleasant. Downside: the luggage! Not knowing if we could leave at 10 am with the apartment, we got them dragged through the city until the scheduled departure at the airport in the afternoon. It would be appropriate that this detail is defined in the preliminary agreements.

“Wonderful to come home to!”

Left on 07/03/2011 for a stay in June 2011 | SanDeeReviewed Jul 3, 2011Stayed Jun 2011

This apartment is spacious and very nicely decorated. I am sure it would be a great place to stay during the winter as it has a "warm" atmosphere and with the fire lit and a nice sherry in hand, pure relaxation.
As americans we were fooled by the description that this unit was on the second floor - to us that means one floor lower than in fact this was. As the stair was steep and not very inviting we were intially sure we were in for a stay in the lowliest servants'quarters of some British sitcom!
The contrast on opening the front door was delightful! (Perhaps that is the intent?)
If there is internet service available it should be clearly described and visible on entry - I still don't know.
A small and friendly sandwich shop "Lime" and the "Mussel Inn" - both on Thistle Lane are superb. We highly recommend them both.

“Beautiful flat”

Left on 07/02/2011 for a stay in June 2011 | MarkReviewed Jul 2, 2011Stayed Jun 2011

We really enjoyed our stay at the Thistle apartment. It is as beautiful as it looks in the pictures, but also incredibly un-stuffy, comfortable and tasteful. The location was ideal - a quaint, quiet street surrounded by wonderful restaurants and shops, and an easy walk to just about everything Edinburgh has to offer. Only glitch was that w/d was broken during our entire 5-day stay, which was an inconvenience.

“Excellent location and very well fitted out”

Left on 11/06/2010 for a stay in October 2010 | Party of fourReviewed Nov 6, 2010Stayed Oct 2010

Four of us stayed and we were very impressed with the amenities and how well equipped the apartment was.There are two points I would like to make that are a little negative- the place had a lot of globes missing or light fittings broken which made it very dark.We bought some to replace them but the fittings were faulty and so the place remained dark.Also,while there were clear instructions on entering the apartment, there were no instructions on what to do with keys on vacating

“Perfect location”

Left on 10/31/2010 for a stay in October 2010 | Diane, Joe, Sandras & AlanReviewed Oct 31, 2010Stayed Oct 2010

Beautiful, well equipped apartment in a great location. Easy access arrangements. Definitely more soul and character than the average letting apartment. Pub next door cosy and welcoming. Lots of bars/restaurants in easy walking distance - who could ask for more. Only downside, carpets could do with a clean.

“Will stay again”

Left on 06/03/2010 for a stay in May 2010 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Jun 3, 2010Stayed May 2010

Stayed here for 7 nights in May with our adult son & his girlfriend. The apartment was a delight. The central location was perfect, nothing was too far away. Thistle St bar downstairs made a perfect local too. Would most certainly stay again. Manager Glenn could not have been more patient or helpful wih pre arrival questions.

“Great appartment in a great place”

Left on 05/05/2010 for a stay in April 2010 | BrittaReviewed May 5, 2010Stayed Apr 2010

Cute appartment right in the middle of New Town ... Princess Street shops, Rose Street restaurants nearby, only a 20 minutes walk to Old Town - what more should you need?
We enjoyed the stay a lot...on top of us being lucky that the flights were not cancelled due to the iceland vulcano making troubles, we faced a real nice renovated appartment, just big enough to host a group of four --- surely we will come again.
The only things we could have thought of is an umbrella - and an electrical adaptor :o)

“Charming and comfortable apartment in the heart of New Town.”

Left on 04/05/2010 for a stay in February 2010 | DCGHoustonReviewed Apr 5, 2010Stayed Feb 2010

Charming apartment within a short walking distance to shops and restaurants
in New Town. Comfortable sitting area and kitchen with everything one would
need including a washer/dryer unit. Two large bedrooms with ample closet
space. Two bathrooms makes this apartment perfect for a family. Very clean
and well appointed apartment home away from home.

“Very comfortable flat with real flame gas fire”

Left on 03/12/2010 for a stay in January 2010 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Mar 12, 2010Stayed Jan 2010

The service was excellent. I liked being able to
access the keys on arrival in the combination locked
box by the door. The flat was very attractively
presented, the large sofa and armchairs comfortable
and we loved having the gas fire on and the shutters
closed on a cold January evening. We slept well in
this apartment, which is very quiet in spite of its
central position. Only problem was getting hot water
for a shower in the evening. There was plenty of hot
water again in the morning so presumably the hot
water had been used up.

“winter city break in Edinburgh”

Left on 02/02/2010 for a stay in January 2010 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Feb 2, 2010Stayed Jan 2010

This little gem of a flat on its secluded cobbled street was a perfect retreat to spend my birthday weekend. We entered the beautiful georgian hallway and instantly fell in love with this apartment.It was so much nicer than a hotel because we could just relax and enjoy.We were spoilt for choice in terms of bistos, bars,and Deli's situated a stones throw away. It was the perfect spot for visiting some of the most exclusive designer shops, bars and resturants, 'Tiger lily's' on George street is a must!....only downside was that there was no music or ipod docking system. Would thouroghly recommend as place to spend your precious pennies on!

“Very central compact flat.”

Left on 11/01/2009 for a stay in October 2009 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Nov 1, 2009Stayed Oct 2009

This flat was perfectly positioned for our stay in Edinburgh . It has a very small kitchen but with all the lovely restaurants nearby there was no real need to cook. My only negative comment was that I found the flat very dark due to the decor but in general we were very happy with our stay and would use it again.

“Edinburgh short break to see Tatoo & Edinburgh Festerval.”

Left on 09/02/2009 for a stay in August 2009 | Dave & Pauline.Reviewed Sep 2, 2009Stayed Aug 2009

A Perfect Location & Great accommodation.

After a very easy booking process on-line we were given good directions to the apartment, keys were in a coded lock box so you arrive at any time and just let yourself in without needing to find a property manager.

The apartment was clean & fully equipped with everything you expect to find at home all you need to take with you is clothes and spending money.

We traveled by train from Rugby, arriving at Waverly station we then walked to the apartment, an easy walk in just 10 minutes. For those with children or several suitcases there are lots of taxis actually at the station.

The location is perfect with no need for a car if you intend to visit the Edinburgh area. The Castle, places of interest, places to eat & shops are all within a few minutes walk.

We also traveled outside Edinburgh on sightseeing trips using the buses that run from outside Waverly station, lots of choice.

Due to the location we would Not recommend this property suitable for anybody with walking difficulties. There are 2 flights of stone stairs which although they are small flights may prove difficult for some elderly people.

We would Highly recommend this apartment and location.
Dave & Pauline.

“Good location but not very tidy”

Left on 08/09/2009 for a stay in July 2009 | Swedish familyReviewed Aug 9, 2009Stayed Jul 2009

First of all there were not two travel cots in the apartment when we arrived. We had requested this when we made the booking. The apartment was also very dirty upon the arrival. All these issues didn't make a very good first impression. After a day we received the second travel cot from the owner after calling him twice. There were only one high chair and we never received a second one despite that we had recquested this from the owner. The location of the apartment made the the stay in Edinburgh nice and we felt really close to the main attractions. I have to say that the apartments greatest asset is the location. We were really dissapointed that the cleaning was so poorly and this is what we like the least about the apartment.

I was very saddened to read your review describing problems with your stay at the Thistle St property. It unfortunately highlights the lack of control I have on standards at apartments that I only provide an enquiry and booking service for, like Thistle St. However I expect clients who operate in this manner to full fill their part of the arrangement by ensuring that their properties are presented to guests in a proper manner.

In the defence of the owners, as they live in St Andrew's I do know they entrust the preparation of their property to a third party and I do suspect that they have become the victim of a complacent preparation service. I will be passing on your comments and hopefully they address this issue. I am very fortunate that I employ a maintenance manager who inspects the properties that I own and the others that I fully manage before guests arrive to ensure that the property has been prepared to the required standard. This has resulted in very favourable reviews for properties like Parliament Sq, Ladystairs and Bank Street on my site.

A FlipKey verified reviewer

Gran Canaria

“Better situated, impossible”

Left on 08/04/2009 for a stay in July 2009 | A FlipKey verified reviewerReviewed Aug 4, 2009Stayed Jul 2009

This was a great rental. Well located, easily accessed and beautifuly decorated
and cared for. Great eateries and nightife close on hand and wonderful walks,
sights and retail therapy all close. Conveniently located too for all other
transport around Scotland. We were unfortunate to get there when the rubbish
collectors were on strike, there were gasworks, and the people before us had
left one of the loos slightly out of order and a lot of the lamps also. But none
of that marred the visit. It is a bit soul-less, though convenient, the flipkey
arrangement and the flat needs more general instructions (for the smoke
detector, rubbish arrangements, leaving etcetera) - in other words, it would be
nice to know someone though not necessary. However, other people less
familiar with Britain and Edinburgh might miss a lot of great things round
about just for lack of information. So we liked best the flat, the personal
taste(books, films) of the inhabitants, the location, and least, the impersona
nature of the transaction, though we have to admit it was efficient.

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